DEVON COAST TO COAST / THE TWO MOORS WAY
The Two Moors Way: Wembury to Lynmouth
From the sea at Wembury to the sea at Lynmouth: 117 miles across Dartmoor, quiet mid-Devon farmland and Exmoor, with river valleys, open moor and village pubs along the way.
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At a glance
Why this walking route is worth doing
The Two Moors Way is Devon’s coast-to-coast walk: about 117 miles (188 km) from Wembury Bay on the south coast to Lynmouth on the north coast, crossing Dartmoor and Exmoor and the quiet farmland in between. The original route ran from Ivybridge to Lynmouth, and it was extended to the sea at Wembury in 2005. In 2026 it celebrates 50 years since the first route opened.
Most people walk it in 10 to 14 days. It is not a mountain trail, but the days are long, the weather on the moors can turn quickly, and the waymarking on Dartmoor is patchy, so you need a map and compass and some navigation confidence.
This guide gives you an 11-day plan with overnight stops, the practical details that walkers always ask about, and an interactive map and GPX file for the route. We have also included the points that people who have walked it say matter most: book accommodation early, check Tarr Steps before you go, and walk it south to north.
- The trail: about 117 miles (188 km) from Wembury Bay to Lynmouth, across Dartmoor, mid-Devon and Exmoor.
- The time: 10 to 14 days. Our plan uses 11 stages, and you can shorten it by combining the short days.
- The direction: south to north is the usual way, with the prevailing wind at your back and an easier start.
- The highlights: Dartmoor’s open moor, the Chagford area, Tarr Steps, the River Barle, Simonsbath and the finish at Lynmouth.
- The catch: patchy waymarking on Dartmoor and limited places to stay in some villages, so plan ahead.
Mapped and ready
See the real route before you set off
Open the interactive map before setting off and save an offline map for the walk.
Useful overnight bases
Where to stay along the trail
Compare places to stay near Chagford →Live prices from Booking.com. Affiliate link: Days Out Now may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Ivybridge
Ivybridge, Devon
Compare stays →Chagford
Chagford, Devon
Compare stays →Witheridge
Witheridge, Devon
Compare stays →Dulverton (for Tarr Steps and Withypool)
Dulverton, Somerset
Compare stays →Simonsbath
Simonsbath, Somerset
Compare stays →Lynmouth
Lynmouth, Devon
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Step-by-step directions
Follow the route
Wembury to Yealmpton
Start on the beach at Wembury, the south Devon coast, and head inland on easy paths and bridleways through the South Hams. It is a gentle first day to settle in before the moors. The official Two Moors Way signs only start at Ivybridge, so follow the Erme-Plym Trail waymarks.
Overnight base: Yealmpton
Route advice: Dip a boot or take a photo in the sea at Wembury before you set off.
Parking or booking: Book early: Yealmpton is small.
Yealmpton to Ivybridge
More quiet farmland and lanes bring you to Ivybridge, on the edge of Dartmoor. This is where the Two Moors Way proper begins, so stock up here for the moor ahead.
Overnight base: Ivybridge
Route advice: Buy food and check the weather forecast for the Dartmoor crossing tomorrow.
Parking or booking: Ivybridge has a railway station, shops and places to stay.
Ivybridge to Holne
The first real test. The route climbs onto the open moor along the old Redlake railway, crosses a clapper bridge over the River Avon and drops to Holne. There is a low-level alternative if the weather is poor. Waymarking on Dartmoor is patchy, so navigate carefully.
Overnight base: Holne
Route advice: Start early and keep a map and compass handy. Use the low-level route in bad weather.
Parking or booking: Places to stay in Holne are limited, so book well ahead.
Holne to Widecombe-in-the-Moor
A shorter day across the moor with big views, ending at Widecombe-in-the-Moor, which sits a little off the route.
Overnight base: Widecombe-in-the-Moor
Route advice: Widecombe is off route, so allow extra distance for the detour.
Parking or booking: Pub, shop and a few places to stay.
Widecombe to Chagford
Walkers who have done the trail often pick this stretch near Chagford as a highlight. The last of the Dartmoor walking brings you to Chagford Bridge. The town itself is a short walk off the route and has shops, pubs and places to stay.
Overnight base: Chagford
Route advice: There is a low-level alternative on this stage if the high moor is in cloud.
Parking or booking: Chagford has the best choice of places to stay on Dartmoor.
Chagford to Morchard Road
The longest day, and the one that crosses quiet mid-Devon farmland from Dartmoor towards Exmoor. Some walkers find this section less exciting, but others enjoy its peace and the lack of other people. There are few pubs and shops, so carry food and water.
Overnight base: Morchard Bishop
Route advice: Carry a packed lunch and water, as places to buy food are scarce.
Parking or booking: Accommodation near Morchard Road is limited and may be a short taxi ride away, so arrange it in advance.
Morchard Road to Witheridge
Easy walking through fields and lanes to Witheridge, a village with inns, a shop and a welcome for walkers. One walker who lives locally says it is always good to see people on the trail stopping to restock.
Overnight base: Witheridge
Route advice: Restock at the village shop.
Parking or booking: A village inn with B&B rooms is the main choice, so book early.
Witheridge to Knowstone
A shorter day across flowery moor and farmland. The Two Moors Way passes under the North Devon Link Road on this stage, and then Exmoor is close.
Overnight base: Knowstone
Route advice: Use the underpass to cross the link road.
Parking or booking: Very small village, so book ahead and check pickup options.
Knowstone to Withypool
Your first taste of Exmoor. The route climbs to the ridgetop village of Hawkridge, crosses briefly into Somerset, then drops to Tarr Steps, the famous clapper bridge over the River Barle, before following the river to Withypool.
Overnight base: Withypool
Route advice: Check the Exmoor National Park path news for Tarr Steps and Hinds Pitt before you go.
Parking or booking: Withypool is small, so book early.
Withypool to Simonsbath
A short and beautiful day beside the River Barle to Simonsbath, in the heart of the old Royal Forest of Exmoor. Many walkers combine this stage with the next to save a night.
Overnight base: Simonsbath
Route advice: If you want a 10-day walk, combine this stage with Day 11.
Parking or booking: Simonsbath has a hotel, an inn and self-catering options.
Simonsbath to Lynmouth
The final day crosses open moorland to Exe Head and along the Cheriton Ridge before a zigzag descent to the sea at Lynmouth. Walkers rave about the finish. You can sign the finishers’ book at the National Park Centre and have a well-earned celebration in a pub or cafe.
Overnight base: Lynmouth
Route advice: Allow time to celebrate at the sea.
Parking or booking: Book your return transport from Lynmouth in advance.
Book things to do nearby
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Before you go
Practical information
Walk it south to north. Wembury to Lynmouth is the way the route is designed, signed and described, and the way most people walk it. The first two stages through the South Hams are gentle, the prevailing south-westerly wind is behind you, and getting to Wembury is easier than getting to Lynmouth. Walking it the other way means climbing out of Lynmouth at the start.
Waymarking and navigation. The official Two Moors Way signs start at Ivybridge. People who have walked it say the Dartmoor sections are the hardest to follow, while mid-Devon and Exmoor are better marked. Take a map and compass or a trusted offline GPX, and know how to use them.
Book early. Some villages have only one or two places to stay, and some are a mile or two off the route, so you may need a short taxi or an extra walk. Booking ahead is the biggest planning job on this trail.
Luggage. You do not have to carry everything. Luggage transfer firms work along the route, and some accommodation providers will move your bags if you arrange it in advance.
Check Tarr Steps before you go. The bridge at Hinds Pitt upstream of Tarr Steps has been closed since 2025, and the Two Moors Way uses the west bank of the River Barle, with a new bridge at Great Bradley. Tarr Steps itself can be damaged or impassable after storms, so check the Exmoor National Park path news before you reach it.
Parking
Wembury is near Plymouth, which has a mainline railway station, and its transport links are better than Lynmouth. Check bus times at both ends and plan your return before you set off.
Tickets and booking
The trail is free, but accommodation can be limited, so book early. Check luggage transfer, taxi pick-ups and camping details in advance, especially for stops that are off the route.
Seasonal considerations
Late spring to early autumn, roughly April to October, is the best time. Walkers praise May for flowers in the hedgerows. Winter brings short days, wet ground, snow and storm damage, and some places to stay close.
Toilets and refreshments
Toilets and food in the towns and larger villages, with few on the open moor and the mid-Devon stage. Carry a packed lunch and water on the long days.
Terrain
Footpaths, bridleways, farm tracks, quiet lanes, open moorland, river valley paths and some road sections. Dartmoor and Exmoor have boggy ground, steep climbs and exposed ridges.
Accessibility
Not yet verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Facilities
Pubs, shops and cafes in the larger villages and towns, but long gaps in between, especially on Dartmoor and the mid-Devon stage. Carry food and water and top up when you can.
Dogs
Many places to stay take well-behaved dogs, but check before you book. Keep dogs on a lead near livestock and ground-nesting birds, and carry enough food for the days between shops.
Public transport
Plymouth has a mainline railway station and buses serve Wembury. Ivybridge is on the Plymouth to London railway line. Lynmouth is reached by bus, so check times in advance and plan your return.
Safety
Take a map and compass or an offline route, waterproofs, warm layers and enough food and water. Tell someone your plan, and take extra care in mist, on exposed moorland and when crossing rivers after rain.
Important cautions
Mist and rain on the moors can make navigation difficult, and some Dartmoor sections are poorly waymarked. Livestock graze on the route, including cattle in fields, and one walker reported a bull in a field on the Erme-Plym section that needed a detour. Keep your distance, follow the Countryside Code and take another route if you are unsure.
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Useful answers
The Two Moors Way: Wembury to Lynmouth FAQs
How long is the Two Moors Way?
About 117 miles (188 km) from Wembury Bay to Lynmouth. The original route ran about 102 miles from Ivybridge to Lynmouth, and it was extended to the south coast at Wembury in 2005.
How many days does the Two Moors Way take?
Most people take 10 to 14 days. Our plan uses 11 stages of 6 to 18 miles. Strong walkers go faster, and a few people have done it in five or six days, but that makes for very long days with a heavy pack.
Which direction should I walk the Two Moors Way?
South to north, from Wembury to Lynmouth, is the usual way. The route is signed and described in that direction, the prevailing wind is at your back, the first two stages are gentle, and Wembury is easier to reach than Lynmouth. Some people walk it the other way for a change.
Is the Two Moors Way well waymarked?
Not everywhere. Walkers who have done it say the Dartmoor sections can be hard to follow, while mid-Devon and Exmoor are better marked. Carry a map and compass or an offline GPX, and know how to use them.
Can you camp on the Two Moors Way?
Yes, camping is possible, but you may need to walk a little off the route to reach a campsite, and some inns have a small summer campsite. Wild camping rules differ on Dartmoor and Exmoor and generally need permission, so check the current rules for each area before you pitch.
Where do you stay, and can you send luggage ahead?
There are inns, B&Bs, hotels and campsites along the way, but choice is limited in some villages and a few are off the route. Book early. Luggage transfer firms work along the route, and some accommodation providers will move your bags if you arrange it in advance.
Can you walk the Two Moors Way with a dog?
Yes, many walkers do. Many places to stay accept well-behaved dogs, but check before you book and keep your dog on a lead near livestock. Take enough dog food for the days between shops.
Are there cows, bulls and farm dogs on the route?
The route crosses farmland, so you will meet cattle and sheep. Keep your distance, avoid getting between cows and calves, and follow the Countryside Code. One walker reported a bull in a field on the Erme-Plym section that needed a detour, so plan to go round if you are unsure.
Can you cycle or mountain bike the Two Moors Way?
Not as a single route. It is waymarked for walkers and includes footpath-only sections. Some people plan their own mountain bike route using bridleways and green lanes that follow the same line.
What is the best time of year to walk the Two Moors Way?
Late spring to early autumn, roughly April to October. May is popular for flowers in the hedgerows, and summer has the longest days. Bring waterproofs in any month, as the moors can be wet whatever the season.
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